Littlejohn United Methodist Church

06/26/2026

Today's Reading:
Psalm 139:13-18

Thought for the Day:
Nothing will stop me from living out God’s purpose for me.

Prayer Focus:
Children who require feeding tubes

The psalmist wrote, “Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.” - Psalm 139:16 (NRSVUE)

Two days after birth, my newborn daughter developed a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. As she was taken by helicopter to a larger hospital for a risky operation, we prayed desperately. I pleaded with God to let me keep my baby girl.

My daughter lived and was given a clean bill of health one week later. She did, however, stop eating. She was given a feeding tube through which she received all her nutrition for two years. Doctors never found a reason why she stopped eating, which made it more difficult for me to accept the feeding tube.

I begged friends to pray that my daughter would start eating on her own. One friend reminded me that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). This reminded me that with or without a feeding tube, my daughter’s life is valuable, important, and perfect.

In fact, the feeding tube has been a great blessing. My daughter received impeccable nutrition that has allowed her to grow strong and healthy. And I have used our story to connect with other mothers whose children have similar health problems, offering them advice, comfort, and friendship. I have been able to rejoice in weakness because of the power of Christ (see 2 Cor. 12:9).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for empowering us through the Holy Spirit to shine your light in the world and to glorify you. Amen.

06/25/2026

Today's Reading:
2 Peter 1:5-11

Thought for the Day:
The Bible gives me strength and wisdom.

Prayer Focus;
Someone needing encouragement

Make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. - 2 Peter 1:10 (NIV)

My brother and I used to work out at the gym together, and he would often encourage me to lift heavier weights since he was there to assist me. He was ready to help me, to guarantee that I wouldn’t fail. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if it was him or me lifting more of the weight. Either way, eventually I became stronger.

Just as my brother helped me succeed, 2 Peter 1 lays out a blueprint for us to follow to develop our faith — with results guaranteed! It lists the behaviors and attitudes that we should embody to build faith, and it tells us what the outcome will be: “You will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” As we apply the practices and principles of Jesus’ life, our future becomes more promising. We become stronger.

When we accept and nurture the guidance of scripture, it gives us an unshakable confidence that God is with us and will provide for us. We are assured of God’s great salvation, and we can trust that we will receive the strength, wisdom, and encouragement we need for our journey. We need not fear being overwhelmed by the darkness of the world, for we have the promise of a supporting friend, Jesus, who gives us hope for an abundant life.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us to grow in our walk with you and to become more confident in trusting in the wisdom of your word. Amen.

06/24/2026

🌿✨ Soul Revival at Spring Forest ✨🌿

Take time to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Join us August 10–14 for a restorative retreat inspired by St. Brigid, featuring community, spiritual renewal, and connection with the wisdom of the four elements. 🌎💧🔥🌬️

Learn more and register today! 💚
https://www.springforest.org/soul-revival-2026

06/24/2026

06/24/2026

Today's Reading:
Psalm 100:1-5

Thought for the Day:
I will be thankful, today and every day.

Prayer Focus:
gratitude for God’s faithful provision

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

My son had wanted to go to a planetarium for a long time, but every time we made plans to go, we had to cancel at the last minute. Finally, we took him to the planetarium as a surprise without scheduling beforehand. I carefully observed him. The twinkling stars on the ceiling matched the light in his eyes; each and every one of his facial expressions was delightful. When the show ended, he dashed over to me, threw his arms around me, and kissed my cheeks lavishly. What else could a mother need?

When I compared that beautiful experience with Jesus’ encounter with the lepers in Luke 17:11-19, I was disappointed on his behalf. It must have felt terrible for Jesus when his own people failed to express thanks to him for their healing. However, I imagine he was thrilled to see the Samaritan return with gratitude. The Samaritan certainly gave us a good example!

The Lord expects us to express our thanks daily for the blessings of life, including friends, family, shelter, and other provisions. We can be happy and calm, certain that God will be with us the next day too, providing for us.

Today's Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for our many blessings. You give us more than we expect. We give you thanks for your faithfulness. Amen.

06/24/2026

From Daily Bread post

06/23/2026

The third Thursday ladies luncheon, (of which men are also invited), will be held at Clarence's Friendly Lunch on thursday, June 25th, at 12:30 pm

Join us for some great food, fellowship, and a lot of conversation.

06/23/2026

"One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks during a bright June morning [in 1872]. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me -- 'I Need Thee Every Hour. . . .'" So said Annie Hawks about the inspiration for the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" (number 397 in The United Methodist Hymnal).

💭 What inspires your sense of connection or dependence on God? What reminds you of the nearness of Christ?

06/22/2026

☀️ Summer has arrived!

Wishing you a season filled with sunshine, joy, and God's grace. 🌻💙